Exotic cars like Ferraris aren’t just vehicles—they can be good investments, too. But not every Ferrari is a financial boon. The high price of iconic Ferrari models, such as the Ferrari 250 GTO, means that few people can afford them, emphasizing their exclusivity. However, some Ferrari models are more affordable and can still maintain good resale value. A variety of factors go into determining the value of an exotic car, and investing in the right Ferrari may make the difference between a sunk cost and a significant come up.

Looking to learn more about how Ferraris appreciate in value? Read on to learn all about it. We’ll cover how and why Ferraris appreciate in value to help guide your exotic car purchase. Be cautious, though—a Ferrari that is cheap on the second-hand market may indicate underlying issues, making it a risky investment.

What Makes a Car Valuable?

Determining the true value of an exotic car like a Ferrari can be a complex task. There are a range of factors that go into determining the value of a car. Some factors are objective. These include:

• Condition: The more pristine an exotic car’s condition, the more valuable it’s considered to be.
• Mileage: The higher the mileage, the more wear and tear an exotic car is likely to have undergone. This lowers its value considerably.
• Supply versus demand: Many exotic cars are produced in extremely limited quantities, making the few available extremely valuable. For instance, only 36 Ferrari 250 GTOs were ever produced. At an auction in 2018, one sold for $70.2 million.

An example of a Ferrari model that has significantly appreciated in value is the sale of a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO for $80 million.

Other values are subjective, like desirability, brand reputation, and status. If a specific exotic car is particularly appealing to you, you’ll likely consider it to have much more value than someone who isn’t drawn to it.

How Do Ferraris Compare to Other Brands?

Ferraris are among the sought-after exotic cars. Not only are they well crafted and high-performing vehicles, but they also have some of the highest brand recognition of any exotic car brand. To many, the name Ferrari is simply synonymous with exotic cars.

Many Ferrari owners have shared experiences regarding the potential value appreciation of their vehicles over time. While some have successfully profited from their investment in specific classic models, they emphasize that such instances are rare and underscore the complexities and risks associated with investing in these high-value cars.

When comparing the appreciation of Ferraris as compared to other cars, Ferraris do tend to appreciate in value long-term better than other exotic cars. Among the top 10 cars with the highest rising values since 2020, Ferrari models take the top three spots and make up half of the cars on the list:

• Ferrari F355: Appreciated 142%
• Ferrari 328: Appreciated 124%
• Ferrari F40: Appreciated 116%
• Ferrari Testarossa: Appreciated 101%
• Ferrari F550: Appreciated 72%

One study showed that, even among Ferraris that depreciate in value, they tend to do so at a slower rate than other exotic cars. Among apex coupes, the Ferrari 488 Pista and Ferrari 812 Superfast depreciated less over the course of a year than Lamborghini, McLaren, Aston Martin, and Porsche coupes. Over the course of three years, the Ferrari 488 Pista remained the slowest depreciating car, losing just over 5% of its value.

It’s clear why so many consider a Ferrari a good investment. Those that appreciate do so significantly, while those that depreciate, depreciate slowly. Financial metrics and figures related to car investments, particularly depreciation rates, highlight how specific Ferrari models can command significant sums at auctions or depreciate less sharply over time.

7 Key Factors That Influence the Value of a Ferrari

So, why exactly do Ferraris appreciate in value? The answer is multifaceted. Let’s take a look at the many factors affecting the value of a Ferrari. While some models appreciate in value and can serve as lucrative investments, many owners experience less favorable outcomes, making it a complex and subjective endeavor.

Additionally, it is important to consider insurance costs when investing in classic Ferraris.

1) Understanding Historical Value Trends

Ferrari was founded in 1947 by Enzo Ferrari, a car enthusiast and racer. From its inception, Ferraris were known for their alluring combination of racecar performance and luxury design. The Ferrari 250 GTO, produced just 15 years after Ferrari’s founding, is known as one of the most desirable luxury cars in the world.

Historical purchase prices of various Ferraris, including inflation-adjusted values, show how these vehicles perform in terms of depreciation and appreciation in the market. While some Ferraris may have been purchased as investments, the actual returns can vary significantly.

As time went on, Ferrari’s racing performance continued to earn it respect. Ferraris won races in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Formula One World Championship. To date, Ferrari is the winningest competitor in Formula One Grand Prix races, with 248 wins, and in Constructors’ Championships, with 16 wins. The notoriety gained from these races helps bolster Ferrari’s value.

2) The Role of Rarity and Exclusivity

Another significant factor that helps Ferraris appreciate in value is their rarity. Since their inception in 1947, Ferrari has produced only about 220,000 cars. As a comparison point, Mercedes-Benz sold nearly 2.5 million cars in 2023 alone.

Certain Ferrari models can sell for almost a million dollars, and the significant repair and maintenance costs can also reach upwards of a million dollars, emphasizing the substantial financial implications of investing in these luxury cars.

The rarest Ferrari models include:

• 1986 Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione: 5 made
• 1957 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti: 4 made
• 1967 Ferrari 330 P4: 4 made
• 1996 Ferrari F50 GT: 3 made
• Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta Speciale: 2 made

While a car’s performance contributes greatly to its desirability, in some ways exclusivity matters even more. Many exotic car collectors are willing to pay a premium just to say they’re one of less than five people in the world who own this car. Ferrari has a great grasp on this concept and maintains their low production numbers.

3) Market Demand and Collector Interest

Of course, a rare car is worth nothing if there isn’t a demand for it. Fortunately for anyone who wants to sell their Ferrari, secondary market demand for these cars is significant. Market demand plays a significant role in the appreciating value of a Ferrari.

In the collectible car market, there is a notable distinction between private and public auctions, indicating a trend towards more formalized practices within the sector.

Many exotic car buyers would rather dish out millions for a Ferrari with a storied past than for a new Ferrari fresh off the lot. Car enthusiasts and collectors alike recognize the heritage and value of these exotic cars and are willing to pay accordingly.

4) Impact of Ownership, Maintenance, and Provenance

For any used car, ownership and maintenance plays a significant role in its rate of depreciation. A well-maintained car may be worth several thousand dollars more than its counterpart that’s seen better days.

Knowing how much one needs to insure their car is crucial information when considering the financial implications of purchasing a high-value vehicle.

With exotic cars like Ferraris, strong ownership and regular maintenance can cause your Ferrari to appreciate. Ferraris from the 1980s and 1990s that have been meticulously maintained with low mileage and few owners can be worth many times more than they were originally sold for.

Another unique factor that can cause Ferraris to appreciate in value is not just how many owners they’ve had, but who those owners have been. An ownership history that features a celebrity or prominent figure can cause a Ferrari to increase in value significantly.

5) Investment Perspectives Compared to Other Luxury Cars

Generally speaking, Ferraris tend to be good investments in the luxury car market. In addition to depreciating at slow rates, Ferraris have held strong market demand since their introduction in the mid-1900s. In comparison, other exotic cars like Jaguars and some styles of Porsches, have fallen out of vogue and are now worth much less than their original value.  

6) Assessing Resale Potential Over Time

Just like the stock market or real estate market, the exotic car market tends to follow cycles. Factors like taste, trends, and cultural hype can shift resale value dramatically. Your Ferrari holds the most value during the peak of its hype, but determining where the “peak” is can be difficult in the moment. Some collectors hold onto their Ferraris too long in hopes their value will continue to rise, only to discover they missed their opportunity once it’s too late.

Some buyers are willing to pay a premium to ‘jump the queue’ for new supercars, which can create temporary spikes in value before the inevitable depreciation sets in.

7) Influence of Global Economic Factors

Like any luxury asset, shifts in the global economy can significantly affect your Ferrari’s value. When the global market is up, exotic cars like Ferraris appreciate in value. When the economy is down, buyers simply aren’t willing to spend as much on luxury cars.

Investing in Ferrari models can potentially make money, as some Ferraris appreciate significantly in value. However, many do not yield substantial financial returns. There are risks involved in car investments, including depreciation and the costs associated with maintenance, suggesting that only select models might truly produce large profits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Ferraris Typically Maintain Their Value?

As compared to other exotic car brands, Ferraris tend to hold their value well. Studies have shown that many Ferrari models depreciate at a slower rate than other exotic cars of the same caliber. While some depreciation is expected in the first decade, most models stop depreciating after about 10 years.

When analyzing the depreciation rates of modern luxury sports cars, supercars often stand out due to their exceptional performance and the financial aspects of owning such high-end vehicles. Various makes and models within the supercar category are influenced by market factors and initial demand, which significantly impact their resale value over time.

What Factors Most Influence Ferrari Appreciation?

A large number of Ferrari models have appreciated over time. Factors that influence their appreciation include:

• Rarity: The more limited a Ferrari’s production, the more likelihood that it will appreciate in value over time.
• Historical significance: Some Ferraris appreciate based on their history. A Ferrari that appears in a movie or was owned by a celebrity can be worth many times its original price.
• Trends: As with any luxury asset, Ferraris come in and out of vogue. At the height of their popularity, Ferraris can significantly appreciate in value.
• Technology: The advanced technology in modern luxury sports cars influences their performance and depreciation rates. These technological advancements play a critical role in the market for high-end sports cars, affecting both desirability and financial viability.

Are Certain Models More Collectible Than Others?

Ferraris vary greatly based on their collectibility. Some are considered to be average, while others are considered to be extremely valuable by enthusiasts and collectors. Again, factors like rarity, historical significance, and trends can help determine whether a Ferrari model is collectible.

The aesthetic appeal of certain Ferrari models, such as the Ferrari 308 GTB, is often highlighted by their pretty lines and distinctive roof line, making them visually striking even amidst discussions of performance and value.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Ferrari Value Trends

Wondering if your Ferrari has appreciated in value? With so many factors affecting a Ferrari’s value, it can be hard to determine exactly how much your Ferrari is worth.

The performance of luxury sports cars in the used car market often hinges on depreciation rates over time, with various factors such as brand and geographic origin influencing these trends. Despite general depreciation, certain models can still retain significant value.

For an accurate valuation based on the current market, turn to We Buy Exotics. We have extensive experience in the exotic car industry and provide instant and accurate valuations for your vehicle. If you choose to sell us your Ferrari, you’ll get cash in hand quickly and a hassle-free transaction. We’ll handle the inspection, paperwork, and logistics. It’s as simple as that.